20 MKs demand Netanyahu cancels new security co-op with Palestinian Authority

By ELIAV BREUER

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 17:42

Updated: SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 21:18

MKs discuss expediting conversions for those serving in the IDF during the ongoing war with Hamas, November 13, 2023. (photo credit: KNESSET SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE) — MKs discuss expediting conversions for those serving in the IDF during the ongoing war with Hamas, November 13, 2023.

(photo credit: KNESSET SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE)

The decision would enable 500 Palestinian security officials to join the IDF in ongoing counterterror operations in the West Bank.

20 MKs demanded on Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancel a recent decision to enable 500 Palestinian security officials to join the IDF in ongoing counterterror operations in the West Bank and Jordan Valley.

The demand, led by Otzma Yehudit MK Limor Son Har-Melech, came in the form of a letter addressed to the prime minister, defense minister, Shin Bet head, and IDF chief of staff.

Signers included MKs from Otzma Yehudit, the Religious Zionist Party, Likud, and the opposition New Hope-United Right Party.

They wrote that the decision was a continuation of the mistaken Oslo Accords assumption that the Palestinian Authority was a “moderating force” in the region.

In addition, the signers argued that the PA “funded, incited, and taught terror” and warned against a scenario where the Palestinian security officials “turn their guns” against Israeli troops.

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the Turkish parliament in Ankara, earlier this month. He is currently serving the 20th year of the four-year term to which he was elected in 2005 (credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)

The MKs did not address the fact that Israel has been cooperating with PA security forces for many years.

Preventing a disaster

“Mr. Prime Minister, you requested that someone ‘seize you by the lapel of your coat’ before October 7, and here we are seizing you by the lapel today to prevent the disaster of tomorrow,” the MKs wrote.

“We expect that you act to change the dangerous conception and prevent the PA’s people from working with us because it is a platform for terror and mass slaughter.”